President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr., together with Finance Secretary Ralph G. Recto, led the condemnation of PHP 3.26 billion-worth of electronic vapes, vape parts, and accessories seized and forfeited by the Bureau of Customs (BOC) to warn the public against smuggling.
The BOC successfully destroyed 2,977,925 pieces of seized and forfeited vape products on April 7, 2025. They were confiscated through the conduct of 10 seizure operations led by the Port of Manila (POM), Manila International Container Port (MICP), and the Intelligence Group (IG) in 2024.
The effort is in accordance with Republic Act No. 11900 or the Vaporized Nicotine and Non-Nicotine Products Regulation Act, which mandates strict adherence to regulations concerning the importation, distribution, and taxation of vaporized nicotine, non-nicotine, and tobacco products.
This is to ensure that only safe and compliant products reach Filipino consumers.
“Patuloy nating gagawin ito, and I just wanted to highlight the efforts and the dangers that – the efforts that we are doing and the dangers that accompany these smuggled vapes far and beyond the loss and revenue to the government. More important to us are the health issues that these smuggled vapes are raised,” President Marcos, Jr. said in his speech.
“I commend the BOC on its stronger and stricter crack down on smugglers. Our fight against smuggling goes beyond just border protection. It is a defense of our economic integrity. By shutting down illicit trade, we protect our people’s access to affordable goods and boost our revenue collections that allow the government to provide more public services to Filipinos,” Secretary Recto said on the sidelines of the activity.
To ensure the continuous success of its seizure operations against illicit trade, the BOC is implementing a multi-pronged approach that includes strengthened local and international collaboration with law enforcement agencies, advanced intelligence gathering, regular site visits, and stricter port control measures.
The BOC has been in close coordination with agencies such as the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI); Office for the Special Mandate on Vaporized Nicotine and Non-Nicotine Products, their Devices, and Novel Tobacco Products (OSMV), Regional Intelligence and Liaison Offices (RILO), and other international customs authorities for a stronger enforcement against the illegal trade.
Equipped with its Risk Management System and Cargo Targeting System, the BOC is able to efficiently profile and detect undeclared or misdeclared vape shipments.
The Bureau is also able to legally hold regular site visits on imported goods available for sale or stored in warehouses or establishments by implementing Letters of Authorities (LOAs).
Stricter port control measures are in place through the issuance of a Pre-Lodgment Control Order or Alert Order, as well as the conduct of physical examinations on targeted shipments at airports and seaports to immediately prevent the entry of vape products.
Also present during the event were DTI Secretary Ma. Cristina Roque; Bureau of Customs (BOC) Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio; Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) Large Taxpayers Service Representative Atty. Peter Dator; OSMV Supervising Head Atty. M. Marcus N. Valdez II; and representatives from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
